What must a defendant do when new evidence is discovered after a judgment?

When new evidence is discovered after a judgment, specific procedural rules dictate how a defendant can proceed. In many jurisdictions, including Florida, there are time limits associated with bringing forward post-judgment motions. If the defendant wishes to challenge the judgment based on newly discovered evidence, they typically must adhere to rules that specify a one-year time limit for filing such a motion.

The rationale behind this time constraint is to promote finality in legal proceedings. After a judgment, parties are generally expected to accept the outcome, which ensures judicial efficiency and fairness to all involved. If the new evidence is not presented within that one-year period, courts often consider the motion to be untimely, and they are likely to dismiss it on those grounds. This serves as a clear guideline for defendants regarding the importance of acting promptly when new evidence arises and stresses adherence to procedural timelines to prevent prolonged disputes over already settled matters.